Black Mountain officials: life-safety operations largely complete; rescue and road access remain urgent

Black Mountain — Police and fire officials told residents in a public briefing that the town’s immediate life‑safety mission following the storm has largely been completed and that responders are now focused on ongoing rescue, recovery and restoring access.

“Number one I want you to know … our first primary mission was life safety,” Police Chief Steve Parker told the crowd, saying police and fire have been working 24/7 to rescue people and prioritize those who “can’t help themselves,” including elderly residents and people in high‑security facilities. He asked people to remain calm and orderly as supplies arrive.

Fire Chief John Coffee described intensive search and rescue in the hardest‑hit areas and extensive road damage that is slowing response. “There’s spots where there’s road then there’s no road,” Coffee said, noting crews have been sent to the far edges of the district to make contact and to concentrate efforts where survivors remain. He said one neighboring fire department was cut off by the storm and that crews hiked to deliver supplies so that department could resume operations.

Officials said the shift from emergency rescue to recovery and repair will take time and coordination. Parker said the town is transitioning to longer‑term logistics and resource distribution once people’s immediate safety is ensured. Speakers repeatedly asked residents not to approach downed power lines and to avoid driving on compromised roads unless necessary.

The briefing closed with officials thanking volunteers and urging patience as outside help arrives. Officials said daily public briefings will be held at 3 p.m. and that information volunteers will remain after the meeting to answer individual questions.